Keep on suckin'

Do you even need birth control if you’re breastfeeding?

Jan 04, 2012 Updated: Apr 27, 2015

Breastfeeding is awesome for your baby. Not so awesome as a birth control method, unless you meet three conditions.

Here are some reliable, low-maintenance birth control options for breastfeeding moms.

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Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.
birth control
Implant (Nexplanon)
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private.
birth control
Fertility awareness methods
Very effective if you use them correctly. Hormone-free, no cost, no side effects.